Buying Guide
The Best Fast IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the AW2525HM has the highest refresh rate, and the KG241Y X1 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Fast IPS panels now reach 1ms response and keep IPS colour and viewing angles. Every pick is an IPS panel with a 1ms or faster rating, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out color gamut, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2525HM
The highest refresh rate here (320Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Alienware AW2723DF
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
The cheapest way into this group, below the 24G42HE.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC 24G42HE
A 200Hz IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (320Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the 24G42HE. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 200Hz IPS panel. | Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel. | Check price for AOC 24G42HE (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG241Y X1 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. Nothing else here matches its 320Hz refresh rate; the VG259QMR5A comes closest at 310Hz. On screen size it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the AW2723DF uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the AW2723DF and 24G42HE; the KG241Y X1 goes with a FreeSync Premium. You also get a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier.
At 1080p, 320Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper VG259QMR5A and the pricier AW2723DF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel2 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG241Y X1 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. Its 310Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) and ahead of the 24G42HE (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2525HM at 24.5 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the KG241Y X1, which has an IPS panel. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the AW2723DF uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper 24G42HE and the pricier AW2525HM, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KG241Y X1 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) and ahead of the 24G42HE (200Hz). Nothing else here matches its 27 inches screen size; the AW2525HM comes closest at 24.5 inches. It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the AW2525HM has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead.
It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the 24G42HE has a 116% sRGB color gamut instead. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the AW2525HM and 24G42HE; the KG241Y X1 goes with a FreeSync Premium. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the AW2525HM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Nitro KG241Y X1 gives 200Hz on IPS for well under $100.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the AW2723DF offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. It matches the 24G42HE on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the AW2723DF comes in at 27 inches.
You get a FreeSync Premium here, which sets it apart from the AW2723DF and its a G-SYNC Compatible. You also get a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It undercut the 24G42HE and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing
Cons
- Screen size trails the AW2723DF (27 inches)
Also Consider5 of 5
AOC 24G42HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24G42HE matches that 200Hz rate with a wider 116% sRGB colour coverage and G-SYNC Compatible support.
Best for
- Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
It matches the KG241Y X1 on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 24 inches: the AW2723DF comes in at 27 inches, and the KG241Y X1 comes in at 23.8 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a 116% sRGB color gamut; compare the AW2723DF, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the AW2525HM and AW2723DF; the KG241Y X1 goes with a FreeSync Premium. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper KG241Y X1 and the pricier VG259QMR5A, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 116% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 116% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Fast IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the 24G42HE, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG241Y X1 gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG241Y X1 ($50 to $100) to the AW2723DF ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the 24G42HE to 320Hz on the AW2525HM. The VG259QMR5A comes second for less money.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the KG241Y X1 to 27 inches on the AW2723DF. For less, the AW2525HM is the runner-up at 24.5 inches.
Panel
The AW2525HM, the AW2723DF, the KG241Y X1 and the 24G42HE list IPS; the VG259QMR5A lists Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The AW2525HM and the KG241Y X1 list 0.5ms; the VG259QMR5A and the 24G42HE list 0.3ms; the AW2723DF lists 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Extras that separate them
The AW2723DF: an overclocked 280Hz mode. The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel.
How to Choose a Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | AW2525HM | The highest refresh rate here (320Hz) |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG259QMR5A | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | AW2723DF | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Spending as little as possible | KG241Y X1 | The cheapest way into this group, below the 24G42HE |
| Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel | 24G42HE | A 200Hz IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| 24G42HE | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG241Y X1 was the lowest-priced pick and the AW2723DF the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG241Y X1, 24G42HE |
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | AW2723DF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the AW2525HM or the VG259QMR5A?
The AW2525HM leads at 320Hz, with the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz. The 24G42HE is at the other end of this group with 200Hz.
Is the AW2723DF ahead of the AW2525HM on screen size?
The AW2723DF leads at 27 inches, with the AW2525HM at 24.5 inches. The KG241Y X1 is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
What does the AW2723DF add over the KG241Y X1?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 200Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 23.8 inches). The KG241Y X1 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the KG241Y X1 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the 24G42HE. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the AW2525HM and the AW2723DF differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM, the VG259QMR5A, the KG241Y X1 and the 24G42HE use 1920x1080 (1080p); the AW2723DF uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the AW2525HM and the VG259QMR5A include?
The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The AW2723DF: an overclocked 280Hz mode.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM. Look at the VG259QMR5A for a fast IPS panel, the AW2723DF for the largest screen size here (27 inches) and the KG241Y X1 for the cheapest way into this group, below the 24G42HE if those matter more to you.
Enable overdrive at a medium setting to avoid overshoot.